APIs
APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) are sets of rules and protocols that allow different software applications to communicate and exchange data with each other. They define the methods and data formats that applications can use to request and exchange information, enabling integration between systems, services, and platforms. APIs are fundamental to modern software development, powering web services, mobile apps, cloud computing, and microservices architectures.
Developers should learn and use APIs to build scalable, interoperable applications that leverage external services, data sources, and functionalities without reinventing the wheel. This is essential for integrating third-party tools (e.g., payment gateways, social media platforms), creating microservices, and developing web and mobile apps that rely on backend services. APIs enable rapid development, reduce complexity, and foster innovation by allowing reuse of existing components.